Architect Charles Moore (1925-1993) was not only celebrated for his designs; he was also an admired writer and teacher. Though he wrote clearly and passionately about places, he was perhaps unique in avoiding the tone and stance of the personal manifesto. Through his buildings, books, and travels, Moore consistently sought insights into the questions that always underlie architecture and design: What does it mean to make a place, and how do we inhabit those places? How do we continue to build upon but respect the landscape? How do we reconcile democracy and private land ownership? What is original? What is taste? What is the relationship between past and present? How do we involve inhabitants in making places? Finally, what is public life? As the world becomes smaller, and the uniqueness of places and landscapes gives way to sameness, Moore's celebration of the vernacular and of the surprising are more relevant than ever.The pieces in this book span the years 1952 to 1993 and engage a myriad of topics and movements, such as contextualism, community participation, collaboration, environmentally sensitive design, and historic preservation. The essays in this book reflect as well Moore's scholarship, humanism, urbanity, and great wit.

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"No architect did more to shape the architectural devolution of the 1960's than Charles Moore. While Moore's built work was intimate in scale, his writings were bold, joining grand historical themes with popular trends, putting modern architecture back in touch with modern life."--Robert A. M. Stern, Dean, Yale School of Architecture, Yale University

About the Author

Charles W. Moore, one of America's best known architects, is O'Neil Ford Professor of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin.

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Important BookJuly 8 2013

By
john messina
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Format: Paperback
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The author of this collection of essays was an extremely valuable architectural educator. His perceptions of places are as relevant today as they were when written. This book should be required reading for all students of environmental issues.